What is the Provincial Nominee Program?
In 2021, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) set an ambitious target of 400,000 immigrants for the year. This target is not surprising as Canada relies on immigration for its population growth; in 2019 permanent and non-permanent immigration accounted for 80% of Canada’s population growth. One of the categories of immigration is called economic immigration, with economic immigration the Government of Canada invites foreign nationals to migrate based on their:
– Age
– Work Experience
– Language Skills and
– Education
If you want to migrate to Canada, there may be several pathways that you may be eligible for. The Federal Skilled Worker program is one of the most well-known Canadian immigration pathways where foreign nationals can apply for permanent residency. This Federal Skilled Worker program is administered through the Express Entry system where a portion of a pool of eligible candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency every 2 to 3 weeks. The challenge for many with this pathway is that it is a points-based system and if one’s points is below the number of points set for that week’s draw, one may not receive an invitation to apply. There are however other pathways to apply for permanent residency and these includes Provincial Nominee Programs.
What is the Provincial Nominee Program?
Provinces in Canada have an opportunity to invite foreign nationals to settle in their province with and outside of the Express Entry system. In 2019, provinces invited over 68,000 immigrants to settle in their respective provinces. Canadian provinces and territories can nominate persons who wish to emigrate to Canada or are interested in establishing themselves in a particular province.
The Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are found in most provinces and once a person is nominated by the province or territory then they can apply for permanent residency with the federal government. Most PNP programs have several categories that applicants can apply under. Often a province invites candidates to meet certain labour market demands, for example Ontario and British Columbia often are looking for foreign nationals in the tech field. Other provinces including Alberta are looking for candidates in the skilled trades. Other provinces like Manitoba are seeking to increase their population and encourage those with relatives in the province to apply for permanent residency.
How can I be nominated by a province?
Every province has its own criteria for how it nominates individuals, in addition to the examples above, here are examples of you may receive a nomination:
| Province | Examples of how you may receive a nomination |
| Alberta | If you are temporary foreign worker who is already working full-time in Alberta and have a full-time job offer from an Alberta employer in an eligible occupation. |
| British Columbia | If you are health care professional (e.g. physician, specialist, nurse and allied health professional) and received a job offer you may be able to live and work in British Columbia permanently. |
| Manitoba: | If you have proven farm business experience, with sufficient available capital to invest, and have an intention to establish and operate a farm operation in rural Manitoba, you may be eligible to be nominated. |
| New Brunswick | If you are a French-speaking skilled worker with the skills, education and work experience to contribute to New Brunswick’s economy, you may be able to live and work in New Brunswick permanently. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Recent international graduates who have a Post-Graduate Work Permit and a job or job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer may be eligible to apply for permanent residency. |
| Nova Scotia | If you receive a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer as a nurse aide, orderly and patient service associate or transport truck driver you may be able to apply for a nomination. |
| Ontario | It you are an international graduate with an Ontario PhD degree you may be able to apply to permanently live and work in Ontario. |
| Saskatchewan | If you have a family relative living in Saskatchewan you may receive more points that may qualify you to apply for a nomination. |
How do I apply to the Provincial Nominee Program?
Apply to the Provincial Nominee Program depends on the province you are applying to. Here are the steps:
1) Determine which program you are eligible to apply to based on the province’s criteria.
2) Once you have determined which program you are eligible to apply to you can submit an application or Expression of Interest to the province’s provincial nomination office (if the pathway is open).
3) The province will review your application and inform you if you qualify for a nomination.
4) If you receive a nomination, you will submit an application with the federal government and apply for permanent residency.
Please note that the pathways and programs are constantly changing so be certain to look for regular updates to see if you may qualify.
Do you want to migrate to Canada?
Contact Kari Davis, RCIC at info@bisonimmigration.com or Call/WhatsApp or 876-784-9302 or 647-988-7765 to book an assessment.
